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Cusco / Machu - Picchu / Sacred Valley of the Incas

The city of Cusco, ancient capital of the Incan Empire, was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1983 and is without doubt one of the most important destinations in the country. The enigmatic complex of Machu Picchu, the most important and beautiful legacy of the ancient people of Peru, is part of the Historical Sanctuary of the same name, which is one of the few places in America to be declared both a Cultural and Natural World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Altitude of 3,200 meters above sea level

There are Incan buildings waiting for you to discover them among its cobble-stoned streets, ones like the Koricancha and the palace of Inca Roca as well as Andean Baroque structures from the Colonial Period like the Cathedral and the Church of the Company of Christ.

In addition, you can visit the picturesque neighborhood of San Blas where the best artisans in the department have set up their workshops. This magical city also has an exciting nightlife with cafes, restaurants, and bars for all tastes. Just ten minutes away from the city, there are the massive walls of the Sacsayhuamán fortress, and a few kilometers from there, you find the archeological sites of Qenko, Pukapukara, and Tambomachay, Incan buildings constructed completely with stone. There are also the towns of Písac, Maras, Chinchero, and Ollantaytambo, which are spread throughout the Sacred Valley of the Incas, one hour from Cusco. From there, it is possible to catch the train to Machu Picchu. Another way of getting to the citadel is by following one of the Inca Trails, a spectacular network of pathways that snake their way among the snow covered mountains, rivers, and overwhelming countryside. This is one of the best trekking routes in the world, since scattered throughout it, you find remarkable archeological sites and areas rich in unique plant and animal species. The enigmatic complex of Machu Picchu, the most important and beautiful legacy of the ancient Peruvian, is part of the Historic Sanctuary of the same name, which is also one of the few places in the Americas placed on both the World Cultural and Natural Heritage Lists by UNESCO. It is located high on top of a mountain and complements the exuberant nature that surrounds it, creating a one of a kind place in the world.

Dressing for the Weather in Machu Picchu

One of the surprising things about the jungly Machu Picchu region is that is can be rather cold... so bring a sweater. And while it can indeed be very rainy in the rainy season (November-April), the wise come prepared for rain at any time of the day at any time of the year, so bring a rain jacket or poncho too. It is also often hot and sunny, especially in the ruins, so bring a hat with a brim, sunscreen, and a small backpack to put your sweater and rain jacket in. Most of the trails do not get very muddy, so regular walking shoes/boots are appropriate.

Bank Machines / Money

The exchange rates in Machu Picchu Pueblo tend to be quite a bit worse than Cusco. The cash machines are mostly located on Av. Emperio de los Incas, and are sometimes empty, although it is unlikely that all the machines would be empty at the same time. As in the rest of Peru, change is scarce and you will be made to feel that it's somehow your fault that they must go running around the neighborhood looking for someone to break even a relatively small bill.

Insects and Snakes

There can be mosquitoes depending on the season and the rainfall. They're not generally too bad, but some insect repellent is in order. I know of no recent reports of Malaria in the region. Occasionally little scorpions sneak into houses. Although I have not yet been stung by one, I do not believe that the sting is too bad. The rest of the local arthropods tend to be far more interesting than they are dangerous.

There are also a few poisonous Andean Lanceheads around. This snake is generally a threat only to people who make their living cutting brush and picking up logs, but using a flashlight if you walk along the railroad tracks at night would bring your risk down to nil.

MACHU PICCHU

Do you dream of visiting Machu Picchu?

Machu Picchu, Inca Treasure

The City of Machu Picchu is the most important work of the Incas.

It is considered one of the 7 wonders of the modern world.

It presents amazing stone buildings such as the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana, as well as houses, workshops, roads, terraces and fountains.

The entire Inca city is conjugated with the landscape of its surroundings.

The ticket Machu Picchu offers 4 different experiences for tourists:

1. Ticket Machu Picchu Only.

2. Ticket Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu.

The tourist can stay up to 4 hours after their entry.1st Group of schedules:-Entrance to Machu Picchu from 6 am-Entrance to Machu Picchu from 7 a.m.-Entrance to Machu Picchu from 8 a.m.2nd. Group of schedules:-Entrance to Machu Picchu from 9 a.m.-Entrance to Machu Picchu from 10 a.m.-Entrance to Machu Picchu from 11 a.m.3rd Group of schedules:-Entrance to Machu Picchu from 12 pm-Entrance to Machu Picchu from 1 pm-Entrance to Machu Picchu from 2 pm

The tourist can stay up to 6 hours from his entrance.1st Group:-Entrance to Machu Picchu from 6 am-Entrance to Huayna Picchu from 7 am to 8 am2nd. Group:-Entrance to Machu Picchu from 7 a.m.-Entrance to Huayna Picchu from 7 am to 8 am3rd Group:-Entrance to Machu Picchu from 8 a.m.-Entrance to Huayna Picchu from 10.30 am to 11.30 am

3. Ticket Machu Picchu + Mountain.

4. Ticket Machu Picchu + Museum.

The tourist can stay up to 8 hours from the moment of entry.1st Group:-Entrance to Machu Picchu from 6 am-Entrance to the Mountain from 7 am to 8 am2nd. Group:-Entrance to Machu Picchu from 7 a.m.-Entrance to the Mountain from 7 am to 8 am3rd Group:-Entrance to Machu Picchu from 8 a.m.-Entrance to the Mountain from 9 am to 10 am

The entrance hours to Machu Picchu are the same as the Machu Picchu Only entrance.-The entrance time to the Site Museum is from 9 am to 4.30 pm

All types of tickets include a visit to the Inca City Machu Picchu.

The Inca City has as main attractions: the Intihuatana, the Temple of the Three Windows, the Temple of the Sun, the Temple of the Condor, the Main Square, the agricultural area with its beautiful platforms and many more buildings.

The ticket Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu is the most requested in Machu Picchu. To get one, you must book your ticket online 2 or 3 months before.

Just how hard is it to climb Huayna Picchu?

It's not technically difficult but coming down (if you take the steep stairs around the backside from the top) can be a bit dangerous. The steps are steep and narrow making the potential for a fall and there is no rope or barrier to prevent a long drop. The rest is not difficult.

Prohibited objects inside the Inca City

If you wish to enter Machu Picchu without problems, we recommend you do not carry any of the following objects:

Tripods, brackets or extensions for cameras or cell phones. It is not allowed to enter with ‘selfie stick’.

Backpacks, bags or bags that exceed 5 kilos of weight.

Food or luggage.

Illegal substances (drugs or their effects)

Alcoholic beverages (or under its effects).

Sprays or paints.

Musical instruments, megaphones or speakers.

Heels with hard-plant shoes.

Baby cars (it is preferable to carry a baby carrier).

Sharp objects and / or weapons of any kind.

Banners, posters and / or posters.

Clothing intended for advertising purposes.

Metal-tipped canes (older adults can carry a cane with a rubber tip).

Prohibited behaviors in Machu Picchu

Generate tumult, jump or cause disorder in the access and / or any point of the Inca City.

Climb or lean on the walls and / or structures.

Any kind of activity that distorts the sacred character of Machu Picchu.

Do obscene acts inappropriate in a public place and that threaten morals and good manners such as undressing, disguising, lying down or running.

Smoking or ‘vaping’ an electronic cigarette.

Make flyovers in the airspace of the place with paragliders, drones or any type of smaller ship.

What time is sunrise in Machu Picchu?

Although Machu Picchu, sometimes usually dawn with fog and clouds, especially in the rainy season, everything becomes clear when the sun rises over it. Unless you are walking to Machu Picchu, your income will be from the town of Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo). The first buses amount to Machu Picchu at 05:30 hours.

The actual dawn, meanwhile, occurs approximately at 05:10 pm around November and 06:15 hours at the latest around July. Machu Picchu, meanwhile, opens to the public at 06:00 hours. In other words, there is a good chance that the morning light will have reached Machu Picchu before being there – it may even be that the sun’s rays do not show up directly, it is still a breathtaking spectacle.

Even if the sun rises locally at 6 am, has yet to rise above the peaks of the mountains surrounding Machu Picchu, before you can feel its rays directly on the archaeological site, the cloudy sky can be disappointing in Machu Picchu, in any case will depend largely on luck.

If your arrival to the City of Machu Picchu is with the thick morning mist, it happens that the site it see obscured. The light changes during this period, you throw on some impressive shadows across the room and through the mountains. And see Machu Picchu appear, as the mist clears, usually a rather dramatic but very beautiful show, so it’s still a good time to be there.

The Inca Trail and the sunrise from the Puerta del Sol (Intipunku)

If your income to the city of Machu Picchu via the Inca Trail, usually on the last day of hiking. You will get up very early and will soon be in the City of Machu Picchu, before the hordes of tourists arrive to it. In theory you will see the site without discomfort.

The view can certainly be spectacular from the Puerta del Sol, however, as in previous case, will have to be very lucky as they also depend on the weather and the season when visiting the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu

NEW

Prices 2018 - 2019

Inti Raymi 2019

Festival of the Sun

The
Inti Raymi or Festival of the Sun was an Inca ceremony that took place on an
annual basis in Cusco, the capital of Tawantinsuyo, between the end of the
harvest period and the beginning of the vernal equinox of the Andes, ie in the
second half of June. The Inti Raymi at the time of the Incas was the equivalent
of what today is for us the New Year festival. This was a party at which a new
year began and ended all the previous "crop year" between the months
of May to June, and also began the new agricultural cycle from July, so the
period since the last week of June and early July was a period of transition
from an old agricultural year to a new one, then the party was dedicated to
that event.

Inti Raymi (The Great Festival of the Sun), Festival of the magnificent ritual
of the Sun in the esplanade of Sacsayhuaman where you will be able to
apprecciate the most venerated Incas celebration.

SCENARIOS FOR THE CEREMONY:

On June 24 th, the
feast in honor of the Sun God, is made in the three historic and natural
settings usually used for staging:1.- The Qorikancha (Siege of gold):
In Inca times was the main temple dedicated to the sun.

2.- The Plaza de Armas (or Plaza
Auqaypata or Warrior Square): During the Inca Empire, this vast square was used
for the ceremony, which took place entirely in the great ushnu or ceremonial
platform.

3.- Saqsaywaman (voice which derives
from the Quechua words "saqsay" and "waman" which
translated into Spanish means "falcon, satiate"). This impressive
archaeological site is located at 3,555 meters above the sea level, and one
kilometer from the Inca Qolqanpata neighborhood. Final staging - acts (Saqsaywaman)

Inti Raymi Day-Tour Itinerary

24/06

07:30hrs. TheInti Raymibegins once
we pick you up from your hotel in Cusco and we’ll walk 10 minutes to Qorikancha
escorted by anguide.

09:00hrs. The feast begins at themain Temple of the Sun, in the time of the Incas;
“Qorikancha”, itmeans shining gold, is
because this temple was fully cover with gold; here there was many idols of
animals like: Llamas, Alpacas, Vicuñas, condors, etc. also human idols all of
them at the same size than normal life. In Qorikancha starts the ceremony in
honor to the sun; begins with amazing leather drums, pututus (seashells) and
flutes music. Here the first ritual and the speech of the Sapa Inca will star
honoring the Sun and Mother Nature. From Qorikancha the Sapa Inca is carried on
litter accompanied by the priest priestesses, parents and noble Incas toward
the famous Huaccaypata,here the feast last for one hour approximately.

11:00hrs. The second stage is at The “Plaza de Armas” or Cusco's main square; in
the time of the Incas this vast square was used for the important ceremonies,
which took place entirely in the great “ushnu” or ceremonial platform. here
too the feats is for one jour approximately.

The group with your guide is
transferred to the Sacsayhuaman Esplanade where the ceremony reaches to the
maximum elegancy.

*During the ceremony of the
Qoricancha and the Main Square there are not seats, we'll observe the ceremony
standing up.

13:30hrs At Sacsayhuaman, the ceremony starts at 01:30 p.m and
ends at 03:00 p.m; here the Sapa Inka will give a speech in the ancestral
Inca’s language, Quechua; Rituals and offering of chicha, a corn beer and a
ceremony of the new fire celebrated by the Inca priest, afterward an Inca
priest will predict the future of the Inca word or Tahuantinsuyo people; after
that dancer from all over Peru continue the celebration.

16:00hrsAfter the end of the ceremony,
we will return to Cusco and you’ll be transferred to your hotel.

* The Schedule indicated at the itinerary
arefor reference.

Cusco / Machu Picchu / Valle

4 days / 3 nts

Day 1 Cusco Arrival, meeting at the airport and transfer to hotel.After acclimatization at an altitude of 3,200 meters above sea level, city tour and nearby ruins 4.Day 2 Cusco / Machu Picchu / Cusco 5:30 Transfer to the railway / train station and transfer by train to Aguas Calientes. Then a short climb on a bus to the Lost City of the Incas - Machu Picchu, which is considered the most powerful energy center of South America. In the afternoon descend to Aguas Calientes, dinner in the restaurant and return to Cusco. Day 3 Cusco / Sacred Valley / Cusco Breakfast.

Day 1 Cusco Arrival, meeting at the airport and transfer to hotel.After acclimatization at an altitude of 3,200 meters above sea level, city tour and nearby ruins 4.Day 2 Cusco / Machu Picchu / Cusco 5:30 Transfer to the railway / train station and transfer by train to Aguas Calientes. Then a short climb on a bus to the Lost City of the Incas - Machu Picchu, which is considered the most powerful energy center of South America. In the afternoon descend to Aguas Calientes, dinner in the restaurant and return to Cusco. Accommodation at the hotel.Day 3 Cusco Breakfast. Transfer to airport.

Price from usd 564 per person in Dbl room.

Hotel Andean Dreams or similar.

All entrance fees, train and bus tickets included.

River Rafting

The Urubamba river runs from the high Andean ranges down through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, past Machupicchu and into the jungle. The Urubamba is divided into Upper Urubamba and Lower Urubamba, the dividing feature being the Pongo de Mainique, a whitewater canyon that opens into the Amazon plain. It has some exciting white water depending on the section of the river being done and the time of the year. One of our most popular rafting sections during the season is the "Chuquicahuna- (CHUQUI)" section of the river on the Upper Urubamba. There are good class IIl rapids and the water is not contaminated, as unfortunately the Sacred Valley of the Incas sections of the river is.

This section is perfect for one day tours, with nice class II, III and III+ rapids. Excellent scenic riverside view with big eucalyptus trees, beautiful flowers. During the rainy season Dec. to early March , the rapids can be class IV and IV plus.

VIP TOUR. ESSENTIAL PERU. LIMA, CUSCO, SACRED VALLEY AND MACHU PICCHU

Essential Peru is a distillation of Peru’s richness and diversity.

Explore all the highlights from Lima to Machu Picchu.

Day 1 Lima

Arrive in Lima, where a representative of Jaguar Aventura Tours will be waiting in the arrivals hall to escort you to your driver/vehicle for your transfer to your hotelLima is a great cultural city, known for its many museums, galleries and archaeological sites, as well as festivals and cutting-edge cuisine.

Stay at: Miraflores Park Hotel 5* or similar

Day 2Lima - Cusco

Transfer to the airport for your scheduled flight to Cusco. Transfer to Hotel. A warren of narrow streets lined by impressive Inca stone walls, Cuzco has a unique atmosphere, redolent of ancient days. This afternoon enjoy a half-day tour of the city, including the Cathedral on the Plaza de Armas and the Koricancha complex, a Dominican church and convent built on the foundations of the Incas’ principal religious building, dedicated to the worship of the sun. You will also visit the impressive fortress of Sacsayhuaman; the amphitheatre and religious site of Kenko; and the Inca baths and water temple of Tambomachay and its red fortress, Puca-Pucara. Your tour ends in the perfect spot for sunset drinks, the garden terrace of Casa Colcampata. This beautiful colonial mansion was built on an

Inca palace, which records indicate was first owned by the ruling Inca Huayna Capac. The palace’s superb Inca wall is still standing behind the house.

Stay at: Hotel Monasterio 5* or similar. Meals : Breakfast

Day 3Cusco - Sacred Valley

Enjoy a scenic drive through a stunning landscape to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. On our way to Pisac, you will stop at the Awana Kancha centre, where all four Peruvian camelids - llamas, alpacas, guanacos and vicunas -

laze in fields. Weavers from southern Peru exhibit textiles that are spun, dyed and woven using traditional natural products and techniques. This fascinating place also has a shop where you can buy top quality crafts. We arrive at the town of Pisac, renowned for its huge, colourful market. Local Indians have gathered here for centuries to sell their merchandise. The daily handicraft section is famous for ceramic jewellery, textiles

and other Peruvian artefacts.

Lunch. This afternoon we continue to the town of Ollantaytambo, one of the

oldest continuously occupied settlements in the Americas. It sits beside one of the Urubamba Valley’s greatest Inca fortresses and sacred sites. Climb the 260 steep stone steps up to the imposing fortress at the top

of the mountain for breathtaking views down the valley, and admire the

huge monoliths that form the Temple of the Sun.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch

Day 4 Machu Picchu - Cusco

Travel on board the luxurious Hiram Bingham train to Machu Picchu. A late morning arrival enables you to explore this breathtaking Inca citadel when most other visitors are starting to leave.A light lunch of local specialities will be served on board. Following your arrival in Aguas Calientes train station, you continue to the ruins of Machu Picchu. Enjoy a guided tour of the citadel and take some time to explore on your own. Late afternoon transfer to Aguas Calientes station to board the Hiram. Bingham train to Cuzco. A gourmet dinner will be served on board.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Day 5 Cusco - Lima

Transfer to Cuzco airport for your flight to Lima. On your way to your hotel, enjoy a panoramic tour of the bustling city. Visit the historic centre around the Plaza Mayor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Pass by the Cathedral, with its splendid carved stalls, the Government Palace, the City Hall and the Archbishop’s Palace. Continue sightseeing through the residential districts of San Isidro and Miraflores before arriving at your hotel. The rest of the afternoon will be at your leisure. Evening transfer to the airport for your international flight home.

Here find a greenhouse or Incan agricultural laboratory
formed by four amphitheaters or terraced steps of concentric circular stones
superimposed in rings that widen as they rise (150 meters deep). It is thought
that in this place, plants were adapted to new ecosystems and microclimates. In
flight appreciate breathtaking views of the snowcapped. Chicón and Veronica
peaks

Chinchero

Chinchero is rimmed by the beautiful snow-capped peaks of
Chicón, Salkantay, and Veronica. Its Hispanic constructions lend to the charm
of this weaving village that is an important agricultural center for the
Tawantinsuyo (Quechua for Inca Empire). The lakes of Piuray and Huaypo are just
a part of the Chinchero beauty that can only be appreciated in its real
magnitude, from the air.

Ollantaytambo

Continuously inhabited since pre-Inca times, is an example
of extraordinary Inca urban planning, and therefore a must see for anyone
interested in this civilization. Canals run alongside the cobblestoned and winding
streets, Inca and pre-Inca stonework is blended everywhere with more recent
styles, and the agricultural terraces are attractions that stand out in their
entire splendor, to be appreciated by visitors

Pisac

It is the gateway to the Inca Sacred Valley. On top of a
hill that rises above the town below, sits the archeological site of Pisac,
another of the important fortresses that guarded the capital of the Empire. Fly
over Pisac, and be witness to the most spectacular terracing to be found. Pisac
is comprised of several distinct neighborhoods: Qanturaquay, Amaru, Punku,
Tanqanamanka, and Intihuanta or solar clock

Salt Mines of Maras

Located at 3,380 meters. Historically founded in the
year1,556, by the colonist Captain Pedro Ortiz de Orué, as part of the
reductions imposed by the Viceroy Francisco de Toledo. During the Inca Empire
these salt mines were used as a means of economic exchange and value. The true
magnitude of these above ground salt mines and the work in making them will be
greatly appreciated from the air.

ANDEAN WEDDING - ARAC MASIN

Celebrate an unforgettable Inca-style wedding at the foot of Machu Picchu. Arac Masin is the symbolic ceremony of love for single couples or married couples wishing to renew their vows. It is a unique private experience in the midst of incomparable natural beauty. This ancestral ritual that takes place in a setting decorated with flowers and coca leaves recreates a mystic scenario where the Inca gods are invoked by the Andean priest, who will make your relationship as a couple last through eternity.

To trek Peru is to journey through incredibly beautiful Andean countryside with a backdrop of everlastingly white mountains and crystal clear lakes, to walk along the Qapac Ñan (Inca Trail), that network of roads built by the Incas to unite their empire, and to see the culture of communities that adorn the pathways. There are trekking routes that take you on adventures through the White and Huayhuash Ranges in Áncash as well as many others in the department of Cusco that will lead you to Machu PiccTrekking route and camping on a 39 km / 24 miles journey. The longest road starts at Qoriwayrachina, at km 82 of the railroad to Machu Picchu. It goes through different ecosystems, colossal archaeological sites in landscapes rich in flora and fauna, until it reaches de citadel of Machu Picchu. A circuit to Salkantay (6271 masl / 20574 fasl) starts from this route.

CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION 2018 - 2019

IN MACHU PICCHU

(December 31st)

This amazing celebration starts at 8:00 pm with a welcome cocktail in the cozy and warm

atmosphere of the Tinkuy restaurant accompanied by a live jazz show. At 9:00 pm our guests will

be able to enjoy an exquisite dinner with a live show playing Peruvian and international music

and dancing throughout the entire dinner.

After that, dancing music will be played until dusk, when we invite you to be witness of one of the

most impressive sunrises of the planet, the first of the year in a mystical location!

New Year’s Eve Package:

Includes a welcome gift for this special night, welcome cocktail at the Tinkuy restaurant, gourmet

dinner (vegetarian option is also available), New Year’s Eve garments, half bottle of French

champagne, live show & music and the very special midnight toast, taxes & services.